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Roads are a major problem in Illinois.
They deteriorate quickly due to freezing and thawing, and the salt used during winter does not help.
The problem of keeping Illinois’ roads repaired is a complex one. That extends into our municipalities.
In East Peoria this past winter, the conditions were such that it caused certain portions of the road to “blow up.” Money that was set aside for other work now has to be used on these emergency situations.
Streets supervisor Ric Semonski said the roads are supposed to be on a 15-year cycle for repairs and, in East Peoria, they are on a 20- to 25-year cycle. About $4 million is needed each year just to keep up with road repairs; however, the city council can only allocate about $1.25 million.
At the last city council meeting, a special session took place concerning the roads and what to do. Some city staff members seemed to be at a loss. One idea was to get a three-year or seven-year loan to try to get ahead. Most commissioners and city staff did not like the idea of a long-term loan because they said it will still not likely help them get ahead. It is like the saying, “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
One of the major reasons it is so hard to keep up with road repairs is because the cost of asphalt increased 300 percent over the past 10 years and city budgets have not.
Perhaps one solution is to lobby those who set these prices. If city officials have not already, they could talk to local legislators and see if anything can be done to keep the price of asphalt in check.
Another idea that some towns are already trying is to mix a sand mixture in with the salt to lessen the deterioration of the roads in winter.
Some communities also have a wheel tax to help pay for their roads. East Peoria officials may have to consider this someday if gaming dollars and motor fuel tax are not enough.
Another idea is to limit heavy trucks on certain roads.
Mayor Dave Mingus once joked about a tollbooth being added in the city. Some day, downstate Illinois may have to consider this idea as it gets more difficult to tend to roads.
There are also articles about new materials and methods to repair roads, and surely the East Peoria Public Works Department keeps apprised of them.
Roads are a major problem in Illinois.
They deteriorate quickly due to freezing and thawing, and the salt used during winter does not help.
The problem of keeping Illinois’ roads repaired is a complex one. That extends into our municipalities.
In East Peoria this past winter, the conditions were such that it caused certain portions of the road to “blow up.” Money that was set aside for other work now has to be used on these emergency situations.
Streets supervisor Ric Semonski said the roads are supposed to be on a 15-year cycle for repairs and, in East Peoria, they are on a 20- to 25-year cycle. About $4 million is needed each year just to keep up with road repairs; however, the city council can only allocate about $1.25 million.
At the last city council meeting, a special session took place concerning the roads and what to do. Some city staff members seemed to be at a loss. One idea was to get a three-year or seven-year loan to try to get ahead. Most commissioners and city staff did not like the idea of a long-term loan because they said it will still not likely help them get ahead. It is like the saying, “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
One of the major reasons it is so hard to keep up with road repairs is because the cost of asphalt increased 300 percent over the past 10 years and city budgets have not.
Perhaps one solution is to lobby those who set these prices. If city officials have not already, they could talk to local legislators and see if anything can be done to keep the price of asphalt in check.
Another idea that some towns are already trying is to mix a sand mixture in with the salt to lessen the deterioration of the roads in winter.
Some communities also have a wheel tax to help pay for their roads. East Peoria officials may have to consider this someday if gaming dollars and motor fuel tax are not enough.
Another idea is to limit heavy trucks on certain roads.
Mayor Dave Mingus once joked about a tollbooth being added in the city. Some day, downstate Illinois may have to consider this idea as it gets more difficult to tend to roads.
There are also articles about new materials and methods to repair roads, and surely the East Peoria Public Works Department keeps apprised of them.
If asphalt is not already recycled, it should be.
One article about a company called asi in the United Kingdom uses a system called Rhinopatch, an infrared technology, for pothole repairs. The machine heats the road, and the asphalt is churned by workers. The material is recycled and mixed with additional recycled material if needed before it is flattened by a roller. Rhinopatch reduces C02 emissions by 87 percent.
This is just one example of newer technology. It would require an initial investment that could pay off in the long run if asphalt costs could be avoided.
Road repairs are a huge problem with not many solutions, and Semonski and others have expressed their frustration in trying to keep up with them.
But, the good news is the city council is talking about it, and that is the first step in which ideas are born and solutions are found.
